"It may be thought then but common prudence in a man not to change a better state for a worse, nor ever to quit that which he knows he shall take up again with pleasure; and yet if human life be not a little moved with the gales of hope and fears, there may be some danger of its stagnating in an unmanly indolence and security. It is a know story of Domitian, that after he had possessed himself of the Roman Empire his desire turned upon catching flies.
Active and masculine spirits in the vigor of youth neither can nor ought to remain at rest; if they debar themselves from aiming at a noble object, their desires will move downwards, and they will feel themselves actuated by some low and abject passion. Thus if you cut off the top branches of a tree, and will not allow it to grow any higher, it will not therefore cease to grow, but will quickly shoot out at the bottom."
I want to add something to this but it stands on its own so well I will leave it.
Joseph Addison, photo from the Internet.
2 comments:
Interesting post. I see where it's coming from and agree to a point but I also think young life is filled with pursuits it thinks are so important, like Conquering Rome...when in actuality it's the small things like capturing bugs that end up being what we return to in older age.
Yes,I get what you're saying but I think of the vacant stares I get when asking many young people where they're going or what their vision is etc.
I find few seeking to conquer Rome, most are just looking for the highest paid position with the least trouble
in acquiring it. And needless to say with the guys at the center, if they don't have a vision when they graduate their "desires move downwards" so rapidly it is astounding.
Love Dad
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